An Ecological Understanding of Kinship Foster Care in the United States

Abstract

We review empirical studies on kinship foster care in the United States. We conceptualize kinship foster care within the context of Urie Bronfenbrenner's (1994) most recent ecological systems theory. Because there are multiple levels of influences on the developmental outcomes of children placed in kinship foster home, understanding the interrelations between the individual (child) and his or her surrounding environments (e.g., biological families, social-support network) is important. We argue that Bronfenbrenner's most recent ecological systems theory is an appropriate theoretical framework for policy and practice implications in addressing complex issues surrounding kinship foster care system in the United States. This review integrates the empirical findings collectively on the factors associated with kinship foster care within and between five systems levels of the ecological systems theory: micro-(caregiver-child relationship, attachment, and kinship family environment), meso-(biological families), exo-(social-support network outside the family), macro-(race/ethnicity and policies), and chrono-(welfare reform) systems levels. Theories that are relevant to the ecological factors (e.g., attachment theory) are also discussed. Finally, we draw policy and practice implications from the ecological systems analysis.

Social Services Professionals' Views of Barriers to Supporting Homeless Noncustodial Fathers

“…We explored the experiences of DSPs in providing services to HNCFs and their perceptions of the barriers these men experience when attempting to access services. An underlying impetus for this research was evidence that early intervention substantially improves parenting in the long term (Fagan & Lee, ; Hong, Algood, Chiu, & Lee, ; Roy & Dyson, ), suggesting that both parents and children will benefit if (a) social service agencies can proactively work to alleviate barriers to services and (b) homeless fathers are assisted in maintaining relationships with their children.…”

The social support in kinship foster care: a way to enhance resilience

“…The recognition of the influence of social support has been defended from Bronfenbrenner's (1979) ecological systems theory (Hong et al 2011). And the influence of social support on the physical and psychological wellbeing of family members, easing the impact of stress in adverse situations, has been proved (Vangelisti 2009;Geens & Vandenbroeck 2012).…”

Discursive Constructions of the Meaning of “Family” in Online Narratives of Foster Adoptive Parents

“…2-3) When foster adoption takes place, the importance of biogenetics is still evident. When reunification is not possible, biological relatives are generally preferred over non-kin members (Hong, Algood, Chiu, & Lee, 2011). The foster care system considers maintaining connections with biological kin beneficial to the adopted child (CWIG, 2006).…”